Real Life: Dark Circles & Exhaustion

Being a mom is great. But being a mom also means putting myself second.

I've always known that placing myself second would be pretty challenging since I love taking care of myself.  There's nothing wrong with doing things for me, but nowadays I rarely do. YES, I miss it. 

Ever since Noah came into our lives - we've been learning many things about him & ourselves.  For one, I was never a patient person. With baby, I find myself practicing patience even when I DON'T want to!  

The most challenging days are the ones where I just don't know why he's crying.  He isn't much of a crier to begin with,  unless he's tired or hungry. Go figure.  Other than that, he's pretty relaxed. When he's not hungry or tired & he cries, I get the most anxious.  I find myself trying "everything" I've learned to get him to stop, and the few times it doesn't ....I feel LOST.  I'm sure I'm NOT the only MOM to feel this way.... so, this is why I'm writing this today.  Real life has an interesting way of surprising us & making us face our our biggest fears.  Every single day I realize I'm facing new challenges & new fears while raising our son, and I can't stress enough... the importance of patience.  I'll be honest, I'm still trying to master the patience 'mode' myself.  

As I write this, another thought is running through my mind..... BUSINESS + BABY.  Believe it or not, I am still trying to manage my business while raising our son.  Yes, I have some p/t help with a nanny & family members, but I find myself letting go of one thing or the other.  Don't get me wrong, I love what I do,  but I also know that Noah will need more of my time at some point.  In my heart, I've always wanted to be a mom...but not an 'absent- mom' where work becomes more important than my family.  So many thoughts keep coming to mind about just quitting my work & focusing more on him for a few years.  Although he drains most of my energy, I love being around him & his BIG smile. He is such a blessing.

I'll be blunt, the thought of being a stay-at-home mom SCARES the heck out of me.  Why? Well, I always imagined it would be boring & lack the amount of creative outlet I'm used to.  I honestly would love to know if any moms out there quit their jobs to tend to their kids at home?  Would that be a life that would drive me crazy? OR would I embrace it?  How many moms out there are doing both??? Working & caring for their kids? or How many moms left work altogether to care for their children? -  I've been wondering about this.

-post by jen ramos
-please excuse my punctuation, I am obviously not an English major.

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TORY BURCH HOME

Oh My Gosh - have you seen the new tabletop collection at Tory Burch?

It's the perfect barware, stemware, table linens & more for every day use! The collection is mostly made up of a blue theme – with gorgeous, intricate patterns.  My favorites include these Spongeware Salad Plates, this Spongeware Pitcher…..and of course, these stylish Rae Coatsers.  I could totally picture this entire set while entertaining a few girlfriends over my birthday this month!

Have you seen this collection ? Which pieces are your favorites?

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DESIGN: Trays

Hi there!  There are so many ways to style a coffee table using various accessories and decorative items from candles to sculptures to create a perfect combo! What I love are the super stylish coffee table trays, that can compete with the pretties accessories and complete or set the look.  Here are my favorite top 10 trays that I would love to use in my living room!!

Monika from ohmydeco.

// 1 Vintage brass tray // 2 Pink bird tray // 3 Leopard edge tray // 4 Stripe Ikat tray // 5 Gold rectangular tray // 6 Crystal quartz platter // 7 Small Shagreen Tray // 8 Silver leaf tray // 9 Mirrored tray //// 10 Kelly Wrestler tray //

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Changing Your Home & Style

Some days I wish MONEY was no object. I would totally change my entire wardrobe & home decor once a year. For those of you who like to change things up, wouldn't that be awesome? To be able to just snap your fingers & BAM! -  new wardrobe, new decor & if we could take it a bit further, we could even look like a specific person. Hmmmmm?

Again, this is not saying you should be UNHAPPY where you are, but like vacations, it would be a cool change of pace, a way to remove the same ol' - same ol' from our everyday lives, but still be able to come back to it! Of course, this is all FANTASY - but the thought intrigued me so much, I thought about how I would do it. So, how would I change things up?

Well, it would have to be a STYLE that is totally OPPOSITE (somewhat) of what I'm into now. With that said, I chose a Bohemian-Chic look. I also chose to go BLONDE & look a little like NICKY HILTON. Not super attractive, not too ugly, right??!!? 

Besides, I thought she looked fantastic in this Boho style outfit, which I plan to sport this summer, you, just, watch! Ok, my picks for Bohemian Style, My way home decor.... would look something like this:

 

1. navy lacquer desk - shopten25

2. spot pillow - barneys

3. horse art - shop candelabra

4. cobalt throw - jayson home

5. agate bookends - high street market

6. marc blackwell glass - barneys

7. nikko ceramics - barneys

8. gold ampersand - the cross

9. elya pillow - jayson home

10. paulaina reyes pilow - west elm

11. velvet ikat pillow - sukan

12. frank ottoman - jayson home

 

However, in the REAL WORLD I'm a tall brunette who loves glamorous living spaces & large scale abstract ART in my home.

If you could change your home decor & the way you look for 1 year, who would you be & what style would you choose??

-top image via purodeco
-nicky hilton image via w.e.n.n
-bottom 2 images by jen ramos

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Your Weekend

Enjoy your weekend! 

-images by jen ramos

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David Scott Interiors

I recently came across New York-based interior designer, David Scott while browsing the web, and oh my goodness, he does some incredible work! I looked through his entire online portfolio, and he's definitely a breath of fresh air. 

His work is sophisticated and tailored to fit each homeowners lifestyle, while keeping this aesthetics as a designer. There are so many designers, especially in New York City, but he's definitely one I'm keeping my eyes on. I've never hired a designer for my own home, but was always curious about what others thought of their experiences. 

Have you ever hired an Interior Designer? What was your experience like?

-images via david scott interiors

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Design: Sweet or Sexy Bedroom?

Hi everyone, Amanda here. With Valentines just two weeks away, it's official: I'm seeing so much pink and red hearts and lipstick kisses everywhere! But when it comes to home decor, I prefer to steer away from the typical decorations (although a heart or two here and there wouldn't hurt).

 

So today I've put together two ways to "sweeten" or "spice" up your bedroom so that you can enjoy even past Valentines day!

Sweet Boudoir: *Image (Rue Mag) // 1. Lip Mounted Print // 2. Substitute- Art Print // 3.Kate Spade "Lights Out" Pillow // 4. Tufted Ottoman // 5. Gabrielle Table Lamp // 6. Ava Frame // 7. Little Kiss // 8. Mirrored Accent Table // 9. Hermes Avalon Blanket // 10. Jo Malone Room Spray

Sexy Boudoir: *Image (Nicole Cohen's home via Rue Mag) // 1. Bonsoir Pillowcase // 2. Fornasetti Pillow // 3. Mirror // 4. Scalamandre Black Zebra Tall Vase // 5. Hermes Avalon Blanket // 6. Well Read Photography Print // 7. Bocca Tray // 8. Floor Lamp // 9. Python Frame // 10. Croc End Table

Now... which one would you pick?

-post by amanda dietz

 

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Vogue Homes

Have you caught a glimpse at all the gorgeous homes being posted on the VOGUE site? Below are some of my recent favorites. A lot of the homes I chose have pink in their decor. But....don't worry husband - I'm not going to bring it to our home. Need inspiration??? You can see more here.

All images via vogue

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Kelly Wearstler

I'm back. It's been a crazy few days here in NYC - we are all literally recovering from Hurricane Sandy still.  email & phone service were off & on - so work at home was a bit challenging at times. However, we are fine (thank God) compared to so many people. I'll write more about my week in my next post

Today I wanted to bring something pretty into the picture. I'm a huge fan of Kelly Wearstler & love her home accessories along with her clothing! 

I realize I can't afford a few of her items, but I can still add them to my wishlist right?? ....or share them with you. These are my ALL TIME faves. With the leather pant TREND going on right now, I think Souxsie Faux Leather Pants will be high on my list!

How can you not love her stuff? I mean just look at the bottle opened? Brilliant.

 faux leather pants

mini bauble box

bling bottle opener

clutch

splash plate

scarf

booties

wallet chain

Do you own anything KW??

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Design: Black & Silver

Hi everyone, it's Amanda with some black & silver inspiration. Since fall is almost here, it's time to embrace the black with metallics again. Although I mostly prefer gold over silver, I still love a good silver accent around the home - be it light fixtures, table and chair legs, small tabletop accessories, or simple frames. 

As we all know, anything black in your home creates an instant classy, edgy feel. But with a few touches of silver, you can notch up a monochromatic room to achieve that sophisticated style. 

via Vart Nya Hem

via Decor Pad

via Decor Pad

via Decor Pad

1 Pulley Pendant Lamp | 2 Frames | 3 Table Lamp | 4 Mirror | 5 Console Table | 6 Stool | 7 Panther Sculpture | 8 Diptyque Candle | 9 Stripe Ikat Pillow | 10 Serpent Pillow | 11 Echo Vases

______________________

-post by amanda dietz

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Your Weekend...

Finally....Friday is here. Aren't you glad?!? Any plans for you?

Friday is the day I get to relax, go out to dinner with my husband, hang out with friends, go to church, take my dog to the park, see my family, go shopping & more! Well, not all of that is done on Friday...but it's the start. 

On another note, here's a sneak peek into our New York City apartment - shot by the talented & lovely Janis Nicolay. Wish I could show you more, because the rest are sooo pretty!!

The first 3 she took, the last one I took, just because..... We'll see where the pictures end up soon!

Images above by Janis Nicolay

Image below by jen ramos

Hot pink blazer via Zara

Handbag by Louis Vuitton

Leopard print peep toe heels BCBG Max Azria

Black Entryway Rug runner via Rugs USA 
Kroko wallpaper via design your wall
Black Velvet Regency Pillows via Live Like You
Painting by yours truly via Cocoa & Hearts
Flowers from my sweet husband

DON'T forget 20% off SALE at MadeByGirl - use promotional code MOMDAY2012

-Enjoy your weekend!

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Almost there....

Hey everyone! Hope you're all enjoying your Wednesday! We're getting things situated little by little...on the other side of this room & everywhere else - we STILL have a mess of boxes.  I will show it all when it's ready....

images by jen ramos

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